Bedřich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, the founding work of modern Czech opera, soon exceeded the domestic framework and became a permanent part of the world’s operatic repertoire. The 20th National Theatre production of the evergreen of Czech theatre and music is, for the first time in our history, directed by a woman. Magdalena Švecová has chosen neither the path of provocative or scandalous interpretation, nor that of conventional imitation of obsolete models. The Bartered Bride’s grotesque yet highly moving story is grasped with tenderness, intelligent wit and hyperbole, as well as an understanding for the long-gone order (disorder) of human lives in the Czech village. The production’s forcibility is enhanced by Zuzana Přidalová’s costumes, inspired by plant and animal motifs, and Ladislava Košíková’s stylish choreography charged with energy and replete with naturalness.

Orchestra and chorus of the National Theatre Opera, Continuo Theatre members under the leading of the Artistic Director Pavel Štourač, dancers, members of the Kühn's Childrens Choir www.kuhnata.cz

The opera is staged in the Czech original version and English and German surtitles are used in the performance.

Photo: Hana Smejkalová

Duration of the performance: 3 hours, 2 intermissions

The premieres on 20 and 21 June 2008 were part of the festival Smetana's Litomyšl. For more information, visit www.smetanovalitomysl.cz